Does phosphorus react with hydrogen?

Answer 1

Lancenigo di Villorba (TV), Italy

FORMER OPINIONS
If I suppose phosphorus may react with hydrogen, then I write :

P4(g) + 6 H2(g) ---> 4 PH3(g)

since PH3 (e.g. phosphine, phosphorus tri-hydride) is the lonely compound I know about P / H's ones.
A sure pathway overcoming to PHOSPHINE is SOLID FUSION of a "Phosphorus/Alkalies" mixture. In this matter, phosphine may explode even. You could not think to phosphorus / hydrogen reaction in alkaline conditions, since it happens not. You must prefer vapour mixture, as shown below.

TEXT-BOOK's DATA

Electrochemical data involving phosphorus and hydrogen are reported here below :

-) P4(s) + 12 H+(aq) + 12e ---> 4 PH3(g) (+0.24 V)
-) H2(g) ---> 2 H+(aq) + 2e (0.00 V)

which are coupled in the following writing

P4(s) + 6 H2(g) ---> 4 PH3(g)

You note I refer to solid form of phosphorus instead the vapour as argumented on the top.
By means of calculations, the Nernst-Gibbs relationship (e.g. DeltaG + n * F * DeltaE = 0) leads me to "Formation's Gibbs energy" of Phosphine :

DeltaG = 0 - n * F * DeltaE = 0 - (3 * 2) * 96500 * (0.24 - 0) =
= -1.4E+5 J / mol

since I can assume nihils the "Gibb's energies" for phosphorus and hydrogen as in they are chemical element in their standard states (e.g. gas for hydrogen and white solid for phosphorus).
When I considerate the "Gibb's energy" related to "Phosphorus's condensation" :

P4(g) ---> P4(s) (-2.1E+5 J / mol, lost heat)

I may write

P4(g) + 6 H2(g) ---> 4 PH3(g)

retrieving (-1.4E+5) + (-2.1E+5) = (-3.5E+5) J / mol

Thus, I calculated its Gibb energy's changes....a VERY GREAT VALUE!

CONCLUSION
Well, I think phosphorus as vapours may react in hydrogen's atmosphere.

I hope this helps you.

Answer 2

Phosphorus And Hydrogen

Answer 3

Yes Phosphorous burns with Hydrogen on heating

Answer 4

NO, phosphorus doesnt react with hydrogen. Instead it liberates hydrogen on reacting with hydrochloric acid.

Answer 5

no